Annie Dillard has departed this earthly life, which she lived so intensely. She had a strong effect on me and my own writing life, such as it is, for which I am very grateful. I read several of her books, but the last time I really engaged with one was quite a while ago, and I wrote about it here: For the Time Being. 

In that essay I used many quotes from the book in my effort to convey what it was about, and what I love about her. Just now in my desire to say a little something in memory of Annie, I offer one of those excerpts, which I think somewhat describes her vision and work:

“Our lives come free; they’re on the house to all comers….
God decants the universe of time in a stream,
and our best hope is, by our own awareness,
to step into the stream and serve,
empty as flumes, to keep it moving.”

Rest in peace, Annie. I think you’re still in the stream, for the time being ❤